MONTEVIDEO /Uruguay/, February 8. /TASS/. Russia could play an important role in overcoming the political crisis in Venezuela and establishing a political dialogue between the government and the opposition, Bolivian Foreign Minister Diego Pary Rodrguez has told TASS.
"Russia, undoubtedly, is one of the most important actors on the international arena, and its contribution is very important. We believe that Russia could assist in establishing a dialogue in Venezuela," he said.
The minister believes that Russia could potentially join the initiative of Mexico, Uruguay, Bolivia and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to search for a peaceful solution to the crisis.
"If Russia is ready to make its contribution in establishing a dialogue, Bolivia would support its joining," the minister said.
Situation in Venezuela
On January 23, Juan Guaido, Venezuelan opposition leader and parliament speaker, whose appointment to that position had been cancelled by the country’s Supreme Court, declared himself interim president at a rally in the country’s capital of Caracas.
Several countries, including the United States, Lima Group members (excluding Mexico), Australia, Albania, Georgia and Israel, as well as the Organization of American States, recognized him. Maduro, in turn, blasted the move as a coup staged by Washington and said he was severing diplomatic ties with the US.
In contrast, Russia, Belarus, Bolivia, Iran, Cuba, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Syria and Turkey voiced support for Maduro, while China called for resolving all differences peacefully and warned against foreign interference. The United Nations secretary general, in turn, called for dialogue to resolve the crisis.
On February 4, most of the European Union member states recognized Guaido as Venezuela’s interim president.